MP calls for People’s Supermarket rate relief

Wednesday 09 March 2011 - Editorial Assistant

London-based social enterprise initiative The People’s Supermarket has gained support from local government minister Bob Neill after it emerged Camden Council will not be granting the store not-for-profit rate relief.

The store, which opened in Bloomsbury in summer 2010 and was the topic of a four-part Channel 4 documentary last month, recruits volunteers and runs on cooperative values, but has been served with a court order for an unpaid £33,500 rates bill.

Neill has written to Camden Council urging it to reconsider the decision, saying it could undermine Prime Minister David Cameron’s well-publicised Big Society plan.

“The People’s Supermarket is great example of a sustainable food co-operative providing healthy local food at reasonable prices and is an inspiration to other co-operatives around the country,” the MP explained.

“There is a clear public benefit from The People’s Supermarket to the local community and a broader public interest in promoting co-operatives and the Big Society.”

Only councils can grant business rate relief for properties occupied by not-for-profit organisations, so Neill’s involvement in the matter will not necessarily have an impact on the outcome of the court order.

The People’s Supermarket holds a ten-year lease held on its Conduit Street premises, and will be hoping for support from the council as it tries to establish itself in the local community.